I was in the wilderness for an entire week getting a full measure of solitude and the Sierras' natural beauty. I was in better shape than I have been in on past trips on account of losing a lot of weight over the last year as well as working out regularly. It was just as well, because without a companion to share the load, I packed in with 58 lbs of gear. Despite that, I was walking faster and hiker longer hours and thus covering much more distance in a day than I was able to before.

I couldn't have asked for better weather. It was sunny and cool most days, a perfect combination for heavy exercise and picture taking.